Summary A 14‐year‐old female miniature horse presented with mild colic signs. The owner reported a history of colic attributed to presumed gastric ulceration, treated with flunixin meglumine and omeprazole. On admission, physical examination demonstrated a normal temperature, pulse and respiration (TPR), with reduced intestinal motility. Abdominal ultrasonography revealed distended small intestinal loops with a wall thickness of 14 mm, particularly in the right abdomen. Radiographs confirmed multiple enteroliths and the presence of sand. Routine bloodwork indicated dehydration, with a packed cell volume (PCV) of 54%, and mild hyperlactataemia (3.79 mmol/L). Based on the combined imaging findings, an exploratory celiotomy was performed, revealing a strangulating obstruction of the distal jejunum and ileum due to epiploic foramen entrapment (EFE), along with multiple large colon enteroliths. Approximately 2 feet of nonviable distal jejunum and ileum were resected, and a jejunocecostomy was created. Two large colon enterotomies were performed to remove enteroliths and sand. Postoperatively, the miniature horse received intravenous (IV) fluids with lidocaine and dextrose, nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), antibiotics and omeprazole. By day 7, the miniature horse resumed a normal diet and was discharged on day 10. At an 18‐month follow‐up, the miniature horse remained healthy and fully active. This case represents the first reported instance of EFE in a miniature horse.
Torre et al. (Fri,) studied this question.